tradition

03

It took twenty minutes for Briar to reach King's Cross that morning, the walk feeling like an eternity due to her bubbling excitement. She practically floated down the bustling streets, her steps light and airy with anticipation. The sun shone brightly, casting long shadows that danced in rhythm with her eager pace. Beside her, Sirius, in his Animagus form as a large black dog, bounded joyfully. His energy matched hers, and he occasionally barked playfully, eliciting a laugh from Briar. "Padfoot? Are you being serious?" she asked, her voice filled with mirth and a touch of incredulity. The dog wagged his tail before slipping into a small room at the station, where he transformed back into the tall, rugged figure of Sirius Black. Harry, trailing close behind, observed with a mix of curiosity and concern. The familiar sight of his godfather brought a sense of comfort, but also an underlying worry about Sirius's safety. Sitting next to Sirius, Harry couldn't help but voice his apprehension.

"Sirius, what are you doing here? If somebody sees you..." Harry trailed off, his voice tinged with worry and an unspoken plea for caution. Sirius grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a warmth that belied the seriousness of his situation. "Don't worry about me. I had to see you off, didn't I?" he said, his tone lighthearted, as if to dispel Harry's fears. Reaching into his coat pocket, Sirius pulled out a photograph, his expression turning solemn as he handed it to Harry. "I wanted you to have this. It's the original Order of the Phoenix," Sirius explained. Harry unfolded the photo, his eyes scanning the faces of the people captured in the image. Each face told a story, and Harry's heart ached with the weight of their sacrifices.

"There's Marlene McKinnon. She was killed two weeks after this was taken. Voldemort wiped out her entire family." Sirius pointed to a girl with curly blonde hair, her arm around another girl with dark brown curls. The photograph seemed to come alive with memories of bravery and loss. "That's Frank and Alice Longbottom. They suffered a fate worse than death, if you ask me," Sirius said, his voice heavy with sorrow. The image of the Longbottoms, smiling and full of life, contrasted starkly with the reality of their condition. "That's Neville and Georgia's parents," Harry commented, looking up at Sirius. He nodded in confirmation, his gaze lingering on the faces in the photograph. "And there's Briar's parents. Harry, do you still like her?" Sirius asked, his tone lightening as he looked at his godson, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Harry's face turned a shade pinker as he responded, "I do but.. I don't think she'll..." Harry stammered, trailing off. Sirius chuckled softly, his eyes filled with a mix of nostalgia and affection. "Harry, not a day goes by that I don't miss your father. But you remind me of him every day. You know, your father asked your mother out every day. He would sulk for hours when she said no," Sirius recalled with a fond smile, his mind wandering back to those days of youthful exuberance and relentless pursuit. "Did she ever say yes?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued by the glimpse into his parents' past.

Sirius shook his head, his expression turning reflective. "She didn't, at least not at first. Your father realized he would never win her over with extravagant displays of affection. He showed her his love through the things that mattered to her. He matured and grew, for her," Sirius said softly, his eyes distant as he remembered the past. The train's whistle blew, signaling it was time to board. Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. "Take care, Harry. And remember, we're all here for you," he said, his voice filled with conviction and a promise of unwavering support.

~

Briar smiled as she exited the train with her friends, the excitement of a new school year bubbling within her. The platform buzzed with the chatter of students reuniting after the summer break, their laughter and animated conversations creating a lively atmosphere. Briar glanced over at Harry, who was engaged in a heated exchange with Draco Malfoy. "Stay away from me!" Harry shouted, his voice echoing with anger and frustration. Briar's attention was drawn to the carriages waiting to take them to Hogwarts. She paused, looking behind her as if sensing something unusual. Her gaze lingered on the space in front of the carriage, where she could see the faint outline of the Thestrals.